Of these two, the Protege5 would get my vote. I've seen a few running around my area, and they are really slick looking. I really like the black ones, with the factory chrome wheels!!
It'll have a ton of room for all your friends and for carrying your stuff to and from school compared to the civic. And, in MY opinion, it wins hands down in the style department.
Plus, like you said, everyone has a friggin' civic!!! The first Protege's had their problems, but Mazda should have them ironed out by now.
So, my two cents go towards the Protege5 without a doubt.
